8 Expert Tips for How To Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out

As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Many job seekers find the question of how to write a cover letter a vexing one. But it is also an important one! A cover letter is your introduction to a potential employer. It’s your chance to make a good first impression. It shows off your good points, putting you in the best light while respectfully requesting a meeting. Understandably then, a well-written cover letter is one of the most important weapons in your arsenal and knowing how to write a cover letter that stands out is an essential skill. Let’s look at some tips on writing a successful cover letter.

Know Your Function

Know the reason for writing a cover letter. Your cover letter needs to provide an intriguing introduction that prompts a potential employer to set up an interview with you. It needs to showcase your qualifications and point out why they are a good fit for the job to which you are applying. Most importantly, it should clearly state why the company should hire you.

Set Up a Venn Diagram

Sometimes it’s hard to organize your ideas. You may be applying to multiple jobs, each of which may require a unique set of skills. Creating a Venn diagram for each employment opportunity can help you organize your thoughts and visualize why you are a good fit for each job. In order to determine which skills you need to focus on in your cover letter, look at the job description for keywords and phrases that are used to describe what their ideal employee would look like.

Place your skills in one circle, and the skills that they are looking for in another circle. The spot where the lists overlap is where you need to focus your attention. The accomplishments and expertise that are listed in that shared space are the very things that you need to highlight in your cover letter.

But don’t ignore the outlying skills. Put on your thinking cap and see if you can come up with experiences or accomplishments that you have had, that show you still have the desired skills. For example, although you may not have the desired degree, perhaps you have five years of work experience that illustrates you have the required knowledge and the proven ability to put it to practical use.

Do Your Homework

As we’ve said before, each position you are applying for may (probably will!) require a unique set of skills. That’s why it’s so important to research the company and position to which you are applying. Many applicants fail to take this crucial step. Without it, you can be sure that a cover letter will quickly end up in the pile of rejections. Putting in the time and effort to research that company’s core values, their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, challenges, and requirements will give you a leg up on the competition.

Be Precise and Show Foresight

Know the contact person’s title and name and then address your cover letter accordingly; if you’re not sure who the hiring manager is, find out. We live in an information age; there can be no excuse dropping the ball on this one small point.

When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person.

The point of your cover letter is to secure an interview, so be sure that your letter is clear and to the point. Just like an advertisement that compels you to “Call now,” you need to give your cover letter a call to action. Supply your contact information and let them know that you are available for an interview.

Words Are Key

Remember those keywords that you looked for in the job description? Well, here is your chance to use those. Those keywords and phrases that you gleaned should appear in your cover letter to describe your experiences and skills. When you use industry keywords, it shows that you have intimate knowledge of and a passion for the field.

It is almost as important to include relevant keywords in your cover letter as in your resume.

Don’t Get Too Cocky

When it comes to showcasing your strong points, you walk a fine line between explaining your qualifications and explaining them in a way that indicates how they will be beneficial to the employer. Look over what you have written and wherever you see a sentence that begins with “I” or “my” work at rephrasing it so that it reflects the company. Use the words “you,” “yours,” and the name of the company. Emphasize how you will meet the company’s needs, help them achieve goals, and assist them in surmounting challenges. This will show that you are the best candidate for the job without tooting your own horn in a self-centered way.

Focus on the Benefits

When an employer considers a prospective employee, they look not only at their qualifications but also whether they would be a good overall fit with the company. In other words, they want to know how hiring you will be of benefit to the company. Be sure to communicate exactly how and why you would be of value to their company. Let them know how you will address their needs and the types of returns they can expect from their investment in you as an employee.

Write a cover letter focused on the value and benefits you offer the employer.

Choose Your Words With Care

Your writing says a lot about you, so put a little time and effort into crafting your cover letter. Don’t be afraid to show a little personality.

Don’t be afraid to show your personality and promote your personal brand as this job seeker did in the opening to his cover letter.

When you explore how to write a cover letter, take the time to assure that your first impression is a favorable one. Do your homework, craft your words carefully, and know how and why you fit with the company. This is your opportunity to shine.

The ULTIMATE Collection of Resume Examples That Show You Exactly HOW TO...

“Finally! A comprehensive e-manual of professionally written sample resumes that show you step-by-step (using 101 REAL before-and-after examples) exactly how to create your own job-winning resume – or transform one that isn’t working for you!”

101 REAL examples, tips, strategies, and valuable professional trade secrets you can download and use right NOW!

About the author:
Michelle Dumas is a multiply-certified, national-award-winning professional resume writer and career marketing expert widely recognized as pioneering thought-leader and trend-setter in the employment services industry. With 20 years of experience, Michelle has helped 10,000+ job seekers in all 50 U.S. states and across the world land rewarding jobs and build fulfilling careers.

Contributor to more than a dozen resume writing and job search books from publishers such as McGraw Hill, Jist, and impact Publications.

Search our site

I saw the revisions. Excellent!! I do appreciate your fine service and quick response to place my resume on the internet. I will definitely refer friends to your site and services. It is appreciated and professional.

Great news ! After not much success with my job search I had your company rewrite my resume. Immediately after I received my resume from you I started to get interviews. Sometimes up to 3 different companies a week. After only 4 weeks of interviewing I am delighted to tell you today I have received a job offer for a wonderful job. Not only is a great company and location it is also a pay increase of 28%. I did the math and the cost of my resume has only 1% of my pay increase. The Human Resource Manager said that she literally received hundreds of resume and mine stood out among all of(...)

Sharon is a terrific partner in this process! She did an excellent job of reframing my experience (very difficult to do) and producing a "clean" resume. Excellent quality and writing (and I'm very, very particular about writing style and form). Every contact I had with your organization was highly professional and 100% customer focused. Thank you! I would love to have the opportunity to work with Sharon and your organization again...you delivered a high-quality product in a timely, professional fashion.

Our website uses cookies to deliver a better site experience. The cookies we use are for analytics and performance and to personalize content. Please accept the use of cookies and/or review our Privacy PolicyRead MoreAccept